Spin precession and weak localization

Spin effects play an important role in weak-localization theory. In addition to the well-studied influence of spin-orbit and spin-flip scattering, electron-spin precession can be important when a magnetic field is present. A simple derivation of the spin-precession effect is given, which reproduces the results of impurity-diagram calculations by Maekawa and Fukuyama. Spin precession becomes important when the precession rate ${\mathrm{\omega }}_{\mathit{p}}$ satisfies ${\mathrm{\omega }}_{\mathit{p}}$>‖1/${\mathrm{\tau }}_{\mathrm{so}}$-1/${\mathrm{\tau }}_{\mathrm{sf}}$‖, where 1/${\mathrm{\tau }}_{\mathrm{so}}$ and 1/${\mathrm{\tau }}_{\mathrm{sf}}$ are the spin-orbit and spin-flip scattering rates. In this case, the ac conductivity will show a resonance at ω=${\mathrm{\omega }}_{\mathit{p}}$. The resonant line shapes are examined for the ac magnetoconductivity in quasi-one- and quasi-two-dimensions, and the feasibility of experiments is considered.